Puyol happy with the draw

Puyol happy with draw

Roger Bogunyà

Carles Puyol admitted that the draw for the Champions League had been kind to the club and that the squad was happy with the rivals they will face, whilst insisting on the need for prudence and respect.

The memory of last year's games against Rubin Kazan was still very much in Puyol's mind when he spoke to reporters on Thursday night and he insisted: “I think it's been a good draw. Obviously we're happy with it, but we have to respect all of our rivals. We can't be over confident, because it's bound to be hard work.” 

Rubin Kazan again 

The little-known Rubin Kazan pulled off a shock 1-2 win at the Nou Camp last season and also held Barca to a goalless draw in Russia and Puyol claimed: “we have the experience of last year with Rubin who surprised everybody. Every game in the Champions League is going to be tough” The captain sees the Russians as the hardest rivals, reminding everybody: “we suffered with the cold there last year and let's hope the weather's not so bad this time around. It's a long and tiring trip and they are a strong team”. 

Ronaldinho 

Puyol also referred to the reception given to Ronaldinho on Wednesday night: “it was a very emotional moment. I think he is one of the best players to have played here and I count myself lucky to have played with him. He was a 10 as a player and as a person. What happened on Wednesday was thoroughly deserved”.